Friar for a Day

A friend who is a Providence alum was kind enough to invite me along to see the Friars-Johnnies game today. This was not a jump into the Garden, but rather a trek out to the Louie Carnesecca Arena on the Queens campus (an "old style" wooden bleecher gym-type facility that seats about 6,500). After trailing by 5 to finish the first half the Friars put on a furious rally to go up by 7 with about 6 minutes to go. Unfortunately they could not maintain the momentum, and dropped a heart breaking 64-62 decision. Jeff Xavier hit about 5 3's while Geoff McDermott and Randall Hanke handled the Johnnies inside.

After the game I commiserated with the Friar faithful at a reception nearby. Though dealing with the disappointment of the recent loss they showed this Wildcat a very good time, wit and humor matched by consideration and hospitality in a way that reminded me of the family atmosphere at Villanova.

Thank you and best of luck the rest of the way...except for March 8.